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Letter: Don’t Cut Our Medicare Benefits

I don’t like it! That’s what I have to say about the possibility of additional cuts being considered for Medicare Advantage. The federal government should not even be thinking about making any further funding reductions to this all-important program.

I have a Medicare Advantage plan, and I’m happy with it. My wife had great care when she was in the hospital, and we had little out-of-pocket expenses for her treatment. Many people rely on the extras that come with Medicare Advantage, like dental and vision coverage, disease management and wellness programs. Seniors need these services, and I don’t think it’s right for them to lose them.

When seniors’ prescription co-pays go up, some have to choose between buying medicine or food. That’s what it will boil down to for many people. Any further cuts can also cause providers to leave the program. Generally speaking, seniors don’t want to change doctors, and for many, it could be a hardship. Fewer choices will mean that some Advantage participants will have to drive long distances to receive treatment. I know many older people who are already hurting today, and they won’t be able to handle higher costs or reduced choices.

Money is being spent left and right by Congress, and it’s wrong for them to consider taking funding away from the benefits programs that seniors have paid in to for years. It’s our money; it doesn’t belong to Congress. I am calling upon our representatives to protect the vital interests of senior citizens by supporting the funding for Medicare Advantage. Seniors deserve to have full access to high quality, affordable health care.